A major lifestyle destination in the North of England has revealed first look images of its new floral installation, Castle in Bloom, ahead of its opening on Saturday 2^nd May.

Raby Castle and the visitor buildings throughout its grounds have been transformed for summer 2026 with breathtaking floral arrangements inspired by nature.

Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle said: “Every department at Raby has played a part in bringing this theme to life. In the past Raby Castle would have been an incredibly productive place with home grown flowers, plants and even tropical fruits! Old photographs show us that flowers and plants would have filled the castle in the past and we were all delighted to lean into that history and bring this theme to life.”

Raby’s gardening team have also sown flowers on the castle terrace to create a multi-coloured display of annual flowers.

Dickon Harding, gardens and landscape manager at Raby Castle said: “We also wanted to extend the experience to the exterior of the castle and delight visitors with a sea of colours as soon as you walk through the castle gates. The castle is a very dominating building but the addition of flowers to the terrace will soften the façade and show the historic building in an entirely new light.

“The placement of the seeds and flowers, which have been provided by Boston Seeds, has allowed us to create a visually stunning pathway for visitors to follow after entering through the Neville Gateway and we’ve also left the lawns to the north of the castle to grow, ensuring there is a beautiful and natural environment all around.”

Heading inside the Castle, arches of tumbling flowers and meadows growing up from the floors are some of the first delights to experience, taking visitors on a visual journey from dark to light which is full of texture and floral scents.

Deborah Simpson Boston, a local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, based at Raby for the summer, has created this living, breathing entrance to the main installation through the medieval passage.

Deborah said: “The design for the passageway has been created to welcome guests to the space and draw them into the Castle in Bloom experience. A mixture of textures has been incorporated, including soft grasses, wildflowers and dried British flowers, and we’ve purposefully chosen flowers which are warm, fragrant and inviting for an immersive experience down the corridor.”

The centrepiece of Castle in Bloom is in some of the Castle’s grandest rooms, showcasing contemporary designs created by renowned florist Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons, as her installation further explores the contrast between dark and light.

The Entrance Hall features an incredible suspended orb, representing the moon, consisting of dried deschampsia grasses, which have been cut from Raby’s own Walled Gardens. On the floor above, the Baron’s Hall houses a giant suspended sun portal against the backdrop of the three grand windows.

To complement Swallows and Damsons’ designs, several local suppliers and creators have contributed to the Castle in Bloom installation, including Yorkshire based florist Opulence and the Beetle, whose exuberant and colourful creations have transformed additional Castle rooms.

Blooms by Samuel Baker, a curated collection of faux botanicals which are stocked in Raby’s Coach House, has helped to celebrate the floral theme in other areas across the lifestyle destination. As part of the wider experience, they have woven a decorative meadow installation into the ladder in The Vinery Cafe alongside three large ball-burst arrangements full of summer flowers suspended in the Round House.

To celebrate Raby’s historic passion for plants, a themed exhibition has also been created for visitors to peruse. It features important individuals such as the 18^th century botanist Lady Anne Monson who grew up at Raby when the walled garden was being developed and the head gardeners who have innovated and developed the award-winning garden throughout history.

For a full day out at Raby brimming with floral inspiration, visitors can soak up the creative planting designs of two well-known designers. Yorkshire based Alistair Baldwin designed the planting scheme which envelopes the visitor buildings beautifully, whilst in the Walled Gardens, visitors can admire the work by award-winning garden designer Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard, where there’s also the Garden Trading furniture collection to explore in the Conservatory. Indulgence awaits with an afternoon tea with a floral twist in The Vinery Cafe, featuring a beautifully presented three-tiered stand of freshly prepared delights.

Castle in Bloom is running until the 31^st August and entry is included in all Castle, Park and Gardens tickets which are £23 for adults, £22 for concessions, £12 for children (ages 4-15 years) and £66 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Raby’s family explorer ticket, which provides access to everything at the lifestyle destination, will also include entry to Castle in Bloom and is £60 for two adults and two children when booked online in advance.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-in-bloom/

This spring, we are delighted to celebrate the success of one of our youngest team members, Tommy McManus, whose dedication and commitment over the past two years have led to a proud milestone for both him and the Raby Estate.

Tommy joined Raby at just 16 years old, beginning his journey as a Level 2 Joinery Apprentice through Bishop Auckland College. Balancing classroom learning with practical experience, he spent one day each week at college developing his technical knowledge, while the remaining four days were spent working alongside the skilled craftspeople within our Buildings Team.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Tommy demonstrated enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the craft of joinery. Whether assisting with heritage restoration projects or learning the precision and care required for traditional estate maintenance, he embraced every challenge with maturity beyond his years.

We are incredibly pleased to share that Tommy has successfully passed his Level 2 apprenticeship and are even more delighted to announce that he has now been offered full‑time, permanent employment with The Raby Estate Buildings Team.

Michael Bennett, Buildings Manager and mentor to Tommy said:

“Since Tommy joined the team in January 2024 we have done some interesting and challenging projects, including High Force Hotel, multiple property renovations and The Rising project. He has been a great asset to not only the joinery side but the whole team. As Tommy’s manager, I’ve seen him grow into a great team player and gain confidence and skills. I was proud of him completing his level 2 joinery and becoming a permanent member of the growing maintenance team. Apprentices are an invaluable resource to Raby Estates as there is such a variety of skills and knowledge needed. Looking forward to seeing him develop within the team”.

This achievement marks the beginning of a promising career and reflects both Tommy’s determination and the value of hands‑on learning opportunities within the estate. His journey is a wonderful example of how apprenticeship pathways can lead to rewarding long‑term employment, and we are proud to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Congratulations to Tommy, whose hard work has truly paid off, and we look forward to seeing his continued growth and success as part of the Raby team.

Raby Castle Park & Gardens has been shortlisted for RHS Garden of the Year Award

We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the prestigious RHS Garden of the Year Awards, a recognition that celebrates not only beauty and design, but also innovation, sustainability and the nurturing of wildlife.

The stunning planting scheme within the Walled Gardens, created by world‑renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, brings together purposefully chosen plants, including Mediterranean species, that offer evolving colours, textures and scents throughout the year. Raby’s dedicated gardening team continues to care for and develop this vision with exceptional skill and passion.

A Haven for Wildlife All Year Round

Welcoming wildlife is a core principle of the gardens’ design. In spring, the elegant Amelanchier trees burst into bloom before producing fruits that attract birds later in the year. The cutting garden’s annual umbellifers support hoverflies, natural predators of aphids, from late spring into early autumn.

As autumn arrives, Raby allows seed heads to remain standing through winter, creating vital habitats for invertebrates. This approach also encourages healthy soil through natural mycorrhizal activity and helps lock in carbon. Birds and insects benefit from the seeds, while the garden’s signature grasses provide shelter for moths and butterflies.

Visitors will also find rose hips, crab apples, redcurrants, hazels, walnuts, beech and oak, all of which offer food and refuge for wildlife throughout the year.

Sustainability at the Centre

Our commitment to sustainability continues to grow. Last year, bird boxes were installed along the garden walls, and nearly 40 bat boxes have since been added, supporting thriving populations of blue tits and local bat species.

The gardens are increasingly chemical‑free, and home‑made compost has helped many planting schemes flourish, including the productive garden, where apples, redcurrants and herbs are grown for use in The Vinery Cafe.

A ‘chop and drop’ method and a ‘no dig’ approach in the cutting garden protect soil structure and the micro‑organisms that support biodiversity. These practices have contributed to a noticeable increase in insect life, inspiring the installation of a bug hotel during the summer months, a feature that has also become a favourite learning spot for younger visitors.

Inspiring Visitors Through Nature

With the gardens thriving, Raby has introduced pollinator tours and daily gardening walk‑and‑talks, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the plants, wildlife and sustainable methods that make the Walled Gardens so special.

To complement this work, a rainwater harvesting system now provides an eco‑friendly water source, while the inclusion of drought‑tolerant Mediterranean plants reduces the need for artificial watering. A ground‑source heat pump has also been installed to warm the greenhouses, further supporting Raby’s long‑term sustainability goals.

 

Voting closes on the 21st September 2026, click HERE to vote for Raby Castle, Park & Gardens.

Launching on Saturday 2^nd May for the Bank Holiday weekend and running until the end of August, the installation will see several areas of Raby Castle transform with breathtaking floral arrangements inspired by nature, including contemporary designs by renowned florist Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons in some of the castle’s most grand rooms.

The Entrance Hall, known for its grandeur, will feature an incredible suspended orb consisting of dried deschampsia grasses, which have been cut from Raby’s own Walled Gardens. Starting at floor level, roots and mosses will spill out onto the ground, and wild wispy grasses wind up the stairs.

On the floor above is the Baron’s Hall, which will house a giant suspended sun portal against the backdrop of the three grand windows. Approximately five-feet in diameter, the portal will feature thousands of strings of dried flowers that swirl around the centre point, decreasing in density as they expand away from its centre.

Anna Potter, founder of Swallows and Damsons said: “The Baron’s Hall is located directly above the castle’s Entrance Hall, so our installation has been meticulously designed to mirror the contrast between dark and light, with the orb representing the moon and the portal signifying the sun.

“Our creation downstairs features mosses, grasses and vines with an overall darker and more earthy experience focusing on texture to create a mystical and quietly beautiful scene, yet upstairs will feel more ethereal featuring colour and floral elements.”

Throughout the Baron’s Hall, there will also be mounds of multi-coloured dried flowers at differing heights, where transparent threads of dried flowers will appear to be evaporating upwards towards the vast ceiling space.

Anna added: “The sun portal will create the impression of a bright, swirling vortex of flowers, emanating colour and movement and the organic mounds of flowers will create an impactful and otherworldly scene, playing with scale and proportion.

“The Castle in Bloom installation takes an outdoor landscape and reinvents it inside. By isolating it in such a grand building like Raby Castle, the display will shine a light on the beauty of nature – it will allow visitors to enjoy the unexpected and find a new level of inspiration, creating a sense of connection and awe for the natural world.”

To complement Swallows and Damsons’ installation, further rooms will be transformed by Yorkshire based florists Opulence and the Beetle, whose exuberant and colourful creations will take inspiration from the Old Masters paintings displayed in the castle and the exquisite floral prints discovered in an 1730s book in the historic library entitled ‘The Flower Garden Display’d’.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, Raby Castle’s said: “The castle is no stranger to floral spectaculars as photographs dating from the 1890s in the archives show its magnificent rooms packed full of abundant displays – one of which will be fully recreated in the ground floor library.”

Our gardening team will also be adding floral creations throughout further rooms including the medieval kitchen.

Becky Crowley, assistant head gardener at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “It’s been wonderful collaborating with Anna and providing cuttings from our Walled Gardens for her installation. Our visitors can already connect with nature in our beautiful Walled Gardens, Deer Park and landscaped grounds but to bring the outdoors into the castle and its impressive rooms is going to be an amazing concept for our visitors to experience.”

The wider experience at Raby, including our café and destination retail store, will also celebrate this floral theme alongside an exhibition celebrating Raby’s historic passion for plants. The exhibition will feature important individuals such as the celebrated 18^th century botanist Lady Anne Monson who grew up at Raby when the walled garden was being developed and the myriad of head gardeners who have innovated and developed the award-winning garden throughout history.

Entry to Castle in Bloom is included in all Castle, Park and Gardens tickets which are £23 for adults, £12 for children (ages 4-15 years) and £66 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Raby’s family explorer ticket, which provides access to everything at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens, will also include entry to Castle in Bloom and is £60 for two adults and two children when booked online in advance.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-in-bloom/

County Durham’s Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has hopped into Easter 2026 with an eggs-ceedingly exciting selection of events.

Taking place across the long bank holiday weekend (Friday 3^rd to Monday 6^th April), Raby is hosting an Easter Food and Craft Market in its stunning indoor event space, the Riding School, and expanding out into one of the Estate’s best-kept secrets, the Dutch Barn.

Stalls full of delicious treats and produce from specially selected local suppliers will line the two spaces, alongside handmade crafts from nearby artisans, celebrating all that the north east has to offer.

Visitors can also explore Raby’s retail space in the Coach House, which is home to a selection of unique gifts and homeware including Neptune, Bamford, Daylesford and some of Raby’s own produce.

Raby is also running an early bird ticket offer for a limited time only with the code EASTER10, allowing visitors to save on admissions tickets.

An Easter day out wouldn’t be complete without some seasonal tasty treats, and Raby’s Garage Cafe will be serving delicious ice creams and specialty teas and coffees. The impressive 200-seater The Vinery Cafe, with its panoramic views of the 14^th century castle, also provides the perfect spot to relax and indulge in fresh sandwiches, sweet treats and light lunch options with Sunday lunches also available.

Easter afternoon teas at The Vinery can be pre-booked on select dates in April, featuring sweet treats, sandwiches and scones and served with freshly brewed tea. There’s the extra option to upgrade the glasshouse afternoon tea to include a glass of fizz.

With spring in full force, Raby’s Walled Gardens await as its three beautifully designed spaces come to life, as well as the picturesque Deer Park providing a wonderful moment to revel in the great outdoors. Complimentary tractor-rides will be available to provide an extra way to explore this peaceful landscape and enjoy a captivating experience as the majestic deer are fed in their beautiful parkland.

For those looking for creative ways to celebrate the arrival of spring, Raby is hosting an Easter wreath workshop on Saturday 21^st March. Deborah Simpson Boston, a local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, will lead the event and demonstrate how to create a beautiful, seasonal wreath using a curated selection of spring blooms, soft foliage, natural textures, and charming Easter touches.

Family-friendly activities include a special Easter Trail featuring a mischievous rabbit in Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, which is woven amongst Christmas trees where little ones can explore slides, sky-high walkways, treetop tunnels and interactive games along the way.

Families can also take part in hands-on craft activities in the yurt and create their own Easter creations to take home, or head out on an additional complimentary trail across the Deer Park.

Daily free activities, guided family tours and the chance to explore one of England’s finest medieval castles, which will also feature a Little Eggsplorers trail, can be enjoyed across the Easter holiday too and for those looking for a baking experience, the popular hot bun masterclasses will be returning in Raby Castle’s medieval kitchen on Thursday 9^th April, as the Estate chef divulges his top tips to create these sweet, spiced buns.

Part of the Raby Estate, High Force Waterfall will be hosting a carrot patch trail for Easter, encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors and keep their eyes peeled for clues dotted around nature along the way.

A Castle, Park and Gardens with Market Entry Ticket is recommended so visitors can enjoy everything Raby has to offer this Easter – this is from £24 for adults and £13 for children, with a family ticket for two adults and two children also available for £65.

Alternatively, separate entry to Raby’s Easter Food and Craft Market is available for £2 in advance, or £5 on the day, with children under 15 going free or families can opt for Raby’s Family Explorer Ticket for £60 when booked in advance or £65 when purchased on the day, which includes access to The Plotters’ Forest and its Easter trail, Raby Castle, the Deer Park and Walled Gardens for two adults and two children.

The glasshouse afternoon tea at The Vinery is available on selected dates from the 7^th – 25^th April, with prices starting from £29.50, and pre-booking is required.

The Easter wreath workshop is on Saturday 21^st March at 11am and is £65 per person. The hot bun masterclass is taking place on Thursday 9^th April and is £35 per person.

A High Force Waterfall family ticket is £10 for two adults and two children. Alternatively, an adult ticket is £4.00 and a child ticket (ages 4 to 15) is £2.50. Children under four go free.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/easter-at-raby-estates/

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has announced a collaboration with Garden Trading, a brand synonymous with a beautifully created collection for the home and garden.

The Garden Trading residency will be in Raby’s Conservatory, located within the stunning 18^th century Walled Gardens. Following a launch in early March, it will be running until late summer.

Indoor and outdoor furniture, pots, homeware accessories and tableware from the Garden Trading collection will be showcased, alongside some of the latest spring and summer 2026 pieces which are all inspired by modern country living with effortless style.

Utilising the Conservatory’s stunning views of the castle, a Garden Trading showroom will be created featuring the range of products, moving from a stylised utility, dining room and indoor living space to bistro tables and outdoor living.

Stephanie Goss, retail, buying and merchandising manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “This is a collaboration I’ve been aspiring towards for well over a year and we are incredibly excited to be bringing this to Raby – I just know the overall ethos of Garden Trading is going to appeal to our visitors.

“The Garden Trading showroom will feature a carefully curated and personally handpicked selection of the brand’s wonderful products. It will be amazing to peruse these against the backdrop of our Walled Gardens, which are full of inspiration.

“We will also have a dedicated team, trained by Garden Trading, there during its time with us, who will be able to share helpful insight with our visitors, particularly those who are looking for some extra guidance for those bigger, more considered purchases.”

Stands full of accessories can be explored in the conservatory, with another display also available in Raby’s retail space, The Coach House.

Richard Bell, managing director of Garden Trading said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the Raby Castle experience, and have enjoyed pulling together a curated range we feel will resonate with their visitors. Even in such a prestigious heritage site, the Conservatory space stands out as absolutely beautiful, perfectly complementing our range and aesthetic.

“It’s even more exciting that the set-up allows customers to order from our full collection, so we can’t wait to see the customers’ reaction and to continue expanding our partnership with Raby Castle.”

To complement this new collaboration, florists, Periwinkle Barn will also be situated in the Potting Sheds near to the Conservatory, providing seasonal bouquets and floral workshops.

To celebrate the arrival of Garden Trading at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a launch event will be taking place on Thursday 19th March for late night shopping, perfectly timed before the spring equinox, where attendees can browse the array of products and speak with Garden Trading representatives, who will also be in attendance to share more about the beautiful collection and brand.

Taking place between 4pm and 7pm, the evening will include 20% off all Garden Trading furniture and accessories and a complimentary Ravello Bud Vase for any Garden Trading purchases over £30 (exclusions apply).

The Garden Trading residency in the Conservatory will be open daily between 11am and 3pm and is free to enter.

For further information, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/

 

Indulgent afternoon teas and sophisticated shopping await at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens for Mother’s Day, all whilst surrounded by the serene parkland and beautifully landscaped grounds.

For those who are looking to spoil the mother figure in their life, or enjoy the day with their group of girlfriends, Raby is the lifestyle destination which offers it all for a stylish day out – from luxury brands and products such as Bamford and Neptune in its retail space in The Coach House, to a decadent Mother’s Day afternoon tea with fizz in the spacious Vinery Cafe, which can be enjoyed whilst soaking up the panoramic views of the medieval castle.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Raby will also have a fantastic offer with mums going free into Raby Castle with a Plotters’ Forest or Park and Gardens ticket throughout the 14th and 15th March weekend.

The Mother’s Day Cream Tea will be served in the charming Vinery Café with beautiful views of Raby Castle. Enjoy a delicious fruit scone and our rhubarb and ginger scone, served with Cornish Clotted Cream and Annabell’s award-winning Strawberry Conserve.

Deborah Simpson Boston, a local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, will be running a relaxing and hands-on workshop – ideal for those who are looking for a creative way to celebrate or to give as a thoughtful gift.

Deborah will be demonstrating how to create an elegant flower bowl, using a beautiful selection of fresh, seasonal blooms and foliage and a pop-up Periwinkle Barn will also be in the Potting Shed in the lead up to the big day, where stunning bouquets can be purchased as a thoughtful gesture for Mother’s Day.

The Mother’s Day delight also includes complimentary access to the stunning Deer Park and Walled Gardens, allowing visitors to stretch their legs, relax in the tranquil scenery, marvel at the sophisticated planting schemes and enjoy the springtime air whilst spending quality time together.

Over at High Force Hotel, part of the Raby Estate and a thirty-minute drive from Raby Castle, an exclusive three-course lunch is available for those who’d prefer to enjoy a sit-down meal for Mother’s Day. Serving locally sourced and tasty food in an elegant yet relaxed setting with open fires and rustic charm, High Force Hotel is an idyllic rural retreat for a Mother’s Day celebration.

For those who’d like to explore the area after their three-course delight, High Force Waterfall is nearby, where visitors can soak up the immense sight of one of the largest waterfalls in England.

The Mother’s Day Cream Tea in The Vinery is available on Sunday, 15^th March at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am and is £15 per person or £30 for two, with Bucks Fizz included in this price.

The glasshouse afternoon tea at The Vinery is also available on Saturday 14th at 3:00pm and is £29.50 per person, or £37.50 to include a glass of fizz.

Periwinkle Barn’s flower bowl workshop is on Saturday, 14th March at 11am and is £65 per person.

The Mother’s Day three-course lunch at High Force Hotel is taking place on Sunday 15^th March, with tables available at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and is £32 per adult. A Mother’s Day afternoon tea is also available at High Force Hotel on Sunday 15^th March at 4.30pm and is £28.50 per adult, or £36.50 per adult with a glass of fizz.

Don’t forget to stop at The Conservatory at Raby Castle to explore the new Garden Trading exhibition anytime between 10am-4pm. With beautifully crafted pieces of furniture for both the garden and the home.

Pre-booking for all Mother’s Day experiences across the Raby Estate is strongly recommended. For more information and to book, visit: Mother’s Day at Raby Estates | Raby Castle | High Force Waterfall

The perfect Mother’s Day Itinerary at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

10:00am –  Stroll Through Walled Gardens
Begin your day with a relaxing wander through Raby’s majestic Deer Park and curated Walled Gardens, soaking in the tranquillity and elegance of this breathtaking landscape.

10:30am – Decadent Cream Tea in The Vinery
Select your preferred dining experience:
• Sunday: A sumptuous Mother’s Day cream tea served in the light‑filled Vinery Café.
• Saturday: A luxurious glasshouse afternoon tea, complete with delicate treats and the option of fizz.

11:00am – Mother’s Day Floral Workshop
Choose to indulge in the hands‑on floral workshop — a serene session where seasonal blooms, expert guidance, and artistic flair come together to create something truly special.

12:00pm – Wander Through the Deer Park
Continue your leisurely exploration of the estate, taking time to enjoy the peaceful ambience, sweeping views, and historic charm at your own pace you might even spot some deer along the way

12:30pm – Browse Garden Trading
Step into The Conservatory for an exclusive look at the beautifully presented Garden Trading, showcasing refined home and garden pieces crafted for modern luxury living.

1pm – Castle Moments
Return to the gardens for another restorative stroll or take time to explore the magnificent castle itself — with complimentary admission for mums throughout the weekend.

2.30pm – Add coffee and cake at the garage

3pm – Retail Therapy at The Coach House
Browse an impeccable selection of premium lifestyle brands at The Coach House — a haven of elegant gifts, contemporary homeware and sophisticated accessories including Bamford, Neptune and Daylesford.

 

Families can travel through time and space this February half term in a series of new activities across Raby Estates.

At Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a time-travelling adventure awaits at the servant school in the medieval castle, designed to provide a hands-on way for children to explore history and experience the day-to-day jobs of a castle servant over 100 years ago.

Families can venture through the 14th century castle and have a go at some special tasks along the way – from household chores to helping the family prepare for supper. Children can also complete activities on the complimentary trail sheet to earn gold coin stamps and be given their very own wage slip at the end.

Tim Dodgson, Public Engagement and Learning Coordinator at Raby Castle said: “Around 1.5 million people worked in domestic service in 1900, from regular households to palaces and castles. And surprisingly, it offered opportunities for a varied career and progression. You could start as a scullery maid or stewards room boy and work up to the senior roles of Housekeeper or Butler, with a whole variety of jobs along the way.

“We’ve brought to life many of these important roles and people from Raby’s past in the restored rooms on our castle tour, but our servant school will shine a light on Raby’s history for our younger visitors and ensure learning about history is even more fun. It’s going to be a fantastic addition for the February half term alongside the return of our themed castle explorer tours.”

Another journey to the past awaits at Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest. For the first school holiday of 2026, Raby has created a world of wonder in its new Dragon Quest, with clues dotted around its immersive play area that young knights and dames will need to find as they dash through.

Children can enjoy plenty of outdoor fun as they explore the woodland route at The Plotters’ Forest, featuring musical instruments, talking tubes, mischief mirrors, a giant memory game, spinning signposts, towers, climbing ladders, a slide and treetop tunnels.

Throughout the castle grounds, complimentary daily activities include seed sowing inside the greenhouse in the Walled Gardens, where children can also run through the series of unique mazes in the formal garden, and a winter gardeners’ walk and talk led by one of Raby’s expert gardeners. Visitors can also marvel at the red and fallow deer being fed in the scenic Deer Park at 10.30am on the weekends.

The Vinery Café will be serving delicious lunches throughout the half term as well as a pancake topping station until Friday 20th February, followed by a waffle topping station from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th February for those who are looking to get creative with their desserts in the afternoon. Families can also head to the Garage Café and the Plotters’ Pantry for hot chocolates and sweet treats.

Over at High Force Waterfall, a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle, families can explore all things astronomy for the half term with a new space adventure trail, whilst visiting the natural phenomenon renowned for some of the darkest skies in the country.

Space-themed clues and facts will be discovered when wandering through the winding woodlands and families can tick them off on the complimentary trail sheet along the way to reveal the mystery word.

Andrew Lindsay, general manager at High Force Hotel and Waterfall said: “We host our sell-out Stargazing Suppers at High Force throughout the winter months, and our family stargazing sessions also proved to be extremely popular last October.

“Building on this theme, we can’t wait to introduce our space explorer trail for the half term, which I’m sure will spark curiosity in the young space cadets who visit, as they enjoy the perfect way to explore the wonders of the night sky, during the day. We hope to see many of the families visiting the waterfall at the hotel too, as they take a moment to treat themselves to some lunch after their inter-galactic adventures.”

High Force will continue to run its family saver ticket for the February half term, which admits two adults and two children to the waterfall. This ticket is £10 when purchased online, or £12 onsite.

Raby’s Family Explorer ticket is available for £60 when purchased online and provides two adults and two children with access-all-areas, including the new activities at the castle and the Plotters’ Forest and entry to Raby’s picturesque Deer Park and Walled Gardens. Alternatively, the Family Explorer ticket can be purchased at Raby on the day for £65.

The pancake and waffle topping stations in The Vinery are £5.95 per child, with adult options also available.

All activities run through to Sunday 1st March, with the Dragon Quest trail extended until Sunday 29th March. For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/